Kids Love Capoeira!
We just simply believe that this is one of the best classes that kids could be involved
in! In addition to developing physical strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility,
capoeira students learn to play traditional instruments and sing music in Portuguese.
Capoeira classes help students build confidence as they learn to meet challenges
while having an exciting cultural experience. Most of all, capoeira training is
fun! Classes are filled with music, movement, and energy.
A capoeira class is like taking a martial arts, dance, gymnastics, and music class
all in one! In kids classes we teach:
Martial Arts:
Students develop strength and control as they learn to perform the kicks and dodges
of capoeira. Many of the basic capoeira kicks are similar to those found in more
traditional martial arts. In the capoeira game, students also learn the evasive
capoeira dodges and how to protect their body by escaping from an opponent's attack.
Most importantly, capoeira students learn how to respond quickly and decisively.
Dance:
The style of the capoeira game comes from a strong African influence. Many of the
capoeira movements are as graceful and fluid as they are powerful. Students develop
rhythm as they learn to move in time with the capoeira music. Flexibility and control
are also emphasized in performing capoeira's high spinning kicks.
Gymnastics:
The very acrobatic nature of capoeira introduces students to basic tumbling; cartwheels,
headstands, handstands, bridges, handsprings, and jumping kicks.
Music:
Students learn to play traditional Afro-Brazilian instruments and to sing in Portuguese.
Kids Ages 4-5
At Brazilian Capoeira we have classes for children starting as young as 4 years
old. The 4 to 6 year olds meet in a class that runs on an eight week cycle on Saturday
mornings. This intro to capoeira class focuses on simple movements and Portuguese
terminology.
Kids Ages 6-10
This is a fantastic age for kids to start class. They quickly absorb everything
that their instructors throw at them.
Kids Ages 11-15
Kids this age fall into our youth class. This class steps up the difficulty just
a bit.
Kids and Fitness
We believe that being fit involves more than just keeping your physical body in
good shape. While this is extremely important, it takes an integral sport like capoeira
to develop a "well rounded fitness." Every class involves a strong cardiovascular
workout, but also develops muscle strength through fun drills and excersizes that
require students to support their own body weight.
Kids and Self-Defense
Many parents are interested in a class that will teach their children self-defense.
The approach to this at Brazilian Capoeira is different than most martial arts schools.
This is because of the unique history of capoeira. Capoeira developed during the
slave trade in Brazil. Slaves understood that direct confrontation would usually
have negative consequences and therefore tried to develop more creative solutions.
Many martial arts schools give children (and adults!) a false sense of security
by teaching them that they can physically confront an adult attacker and expect
to not get hurt. While capoeira is a martial art, we believe that avoiding the situation
entirely and escaping is simply the safest and most effective form of self-defense.
Capoeira does not focus on violence. . . Unifying people, teaching them to get along
with each other, to find personal freedom, and to be effective members of their
society have always been the focus and intent of this art form.
Get started now, receive a free DVD intro to share with your child, and up for a no risk trial of capoeira!